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Uniformed Services

Level 3 Extended Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services NCFE – Top Up

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Overview

This is the second-year course, that follows successful completion of the Level 3 Diploma.

The UCAS points that can be gained are:

Distinction*: 168

Distinction: 144

Merit: 96

Pass: 48

How you’ll learn

This qualification aims to provide learners with:

  • an understanding of the uniformed public services sector
  • the opportunity to investigate career opportunities in the uniformed services
  • the ability to prepare for a recruitment interview
  • an understanding of the personal commitment and fitness requirements needed to be employed in a uniformed service role
  • an understanding of the external organisations that impact on and influence the work of the uniformed services
  • an understanding of how uniformed services organisations respond in emergency situations
  • the opportunity to understand and develop the skills and qualities needed to work in a range of uniformed services eg leadership skills, coaching skills, conflict management, personal protection,
  • teamwork, communication, navigation, drill.
Entry and progression

What you need and where it leads

  1. Entry requirements
  2. This course Level 3
  3. Further study

Must first complete the Level 3 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services

Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.

Careers it can lead to

  • Fire Service Officers (Watch Manager and Below) £37,000 a year
  • Security Guards and Related Occupations £27,500 a year
  • Police Officers (Sergeant and Below) £46,500 a year
  • Health and Safety Managers and Officers £41,500 a year
See all 9 careers
  • Ambulance Staff (Excluding Paramedics) £27,800 a year
  • NCOs and Other Ranks
  • Prison Service Officers (Below Principal Officer) £30,500 a year

With further study or experience

  • Senior Officers in Fire, Ambulance, Prison and Related Services £55,900 a year
  • Paramedics £41,200 a year

Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).

Your UCAS points

NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services

Grade UCAS points
D* Distinction* 168
D Distinction 144
M Merit 96
P Pass 48

UCAS points are an estimate. Each university course sets its own entry requirements, and points can change from year to year. Please enquire for full details about a specific course. Points from the UCAS Tariff tables for 2027 entry. About UCAS Tariff points

Sandra

Sandra

Level 3 Uniformed Services

Student Voice

“

I’ve improved my time management and punctuality, and learnt new skills for working in the Uniformed Protective Services. It’s been a really interesting experience where I’ve made friends and learnt a lot. I’m planning to go to university or start an apprenticeship.

For parents and carers

Supporting your child’s journey

A Friendly, Welcoming Place

Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.

About student life

Qualifications That Count

These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.

See the full unit list

GCSE Support Built In

If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable, not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.

About student support

Learning Support

If your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.

About learning support

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to apply?

Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.

Want to visit first?

FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm

What happens after you apply

1

You apply

Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.

2

You meet your tutor

We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.

3

You get an offer

We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.

4

You get ready to start

Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.

Read our full guide to applying